Several Super Eagles players will be in action when the 2026-27 Premier League season begins, following the release of the official fixture list for the new campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.
Defending champions Arsenal will start their title defence looking to build on last season's success, while a number of Nigerian internationals across the division prepare for challenging opening-day assignments.
Nigeria-eligible youngster Ethan Nwaneri remains part of the Arsenal setup after collecting a Premier League winners' medal last season. The talented midfielder, who spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Marseille, is still eligible to represent Nigeria despite his involvement with England's youth teams and recent pre-World Cup activities.
Super Eagles stars handed major tests
Frank Onyeka is back in the Premier League after helping Coventry City secure promotion from the Championship under Frank Lampard. Coventry's reward for their impressive campaign is a daunting opening fixture away to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Semi Ajayi also returns to the English top flight after playing a key role in Hull City's promotion campaign. The experienced Super Eagles defender will begin the season with a high-profile home clash against a Manchester United that looks rejuvenated under Michael Carrick.
Chuba Akpom's Ipswich Town also earned promotion and will kick off their campaign against Sunderland. While Sunderland finished seventh last season and remain a competitive side, Ipswich will view the fixture as an opportunity to start life in the Premier League positively.
Nottingham Forest's Nigerian duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina will open their season at home against Leeds United. Forest enjoyed a strong finish to the campaign last term and will be expected to begin with a positive result, although Leeds are capable of causing problems of their own.
Brighton's newly-signed Nigerian wonderkid Zadok Yohanna could also attract attention on the opening weekend. The teenager joined the Seagulls in a club-record deal and may get an early opportunity when Brighton face Aston Villa.
The final Nigerian fixture of the opening round will be a London derby at Craven Cottage, where Fulham host Chelsea. Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are expected to feature prominently for Fulham against their west London rivals.
Samuel Chukwueze could potentially be involved in that encounter if Fulham complete a move for the winger from AC Milan before the season begins. Chelsea, meanwhile, are likely to include Nigeria-eligible defender Tosin Adarabioyo in their squad.
The new season also presents another opportunity for Nigerian players to end the country's long wait for a Premier League title winner. The last Nigeria international to lift the trophy was Victor Moses, who won the league with Chelsea during the 2016-17 season under Antonio Conte.
Only three full Nigeria internationals have won the Premier League era title: Nwankwo Kanu with Arsenal twice, John Obi Mikel with Chelsea, and Victor Moses also with Chelsea in 2016-17.
With several Super Eagles stars spread across the division this season, Nigerian fans will hope at least one of them can challenge for the crown and add a new chapter to that exclusive list.
